His world has changed dramatically since the boy who showed up to camp a year ago as a nervous young man trying to make the Opening Day roster. His childhood dream of him came true. An impressive display in the Home Run Derby. The end of a drought. American League Rookie of the Year. He became the face of the franchise.
Julio Rodríguez is already a superstar in Seattle, and possibly in the majors as well. Now, about to start his season at the age of 22, what will he have prepared?
“I think understanding the game was very important to me last year,” Rodríguez said. “I think that was where I learned the most. But that never stops, so I’m excited because I can’t wait to find out all the things I still have to learn.”
Since becoming the fifth Seattle player to win Rookie of the Year, the Dominican has received congratulatory calls from Aaron Judge, Mike Trout and others. However, despite his rapid and historic rise for his age, he is motivated to become an MVP candidate this year.
“Julio is a ‘trainable’ player. I’ve been saying that for a while,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It is on the field and off it. He asks good questions and I think talking to the right people helps him along the way.”
Rodríguez became the first player with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in his debut season, surpassing Trout as the fastest to reach those marks, doing it in just 125 games. Only eight rookies since Rodriguez was born in 2001 have posted a higher WAR than he left off at 5.3, according to Fangraphs.
Analytically, Rodríguez ranked in the 90th percentile in power hits (50.75%), hit rate (13.1%), sprint velocity (29.8 ft/sec), above average putouts (+9) and arm strength (39.8 mph average) according to Statcast, joining compatriot Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2020 as the only players to rank that high in those metrics since they began being measured.
In addition to what he does on the field, Rodríguez has shown a lot of charisma.
“That is what our fans have fallen in love with, it reflects a natural enjoyment when playing,” said Sevais. “And along with that, youngsters have a certain aura of innocence that people love, especially when they’re good players. Entertains. I think that’s a big part of our game.”
Rodríguez put up those numbers despite hitting just .205/.284/.260 (.544 OPS) with no homers in April. He also played in only 132 total games, going on the disabled list in the second half of the season with a sprained wrist and back strain.
All of this has the Mariners excited for what J-Rod will be able to do in a full season, though given the energy he brings to bear with his style of play – he admitted to being a bit tired at the end of the year – health will be the main thing for him and the rest of the Mariners.
“I feel like you have to stay true to your routine,” said the gunboat. “I think that’s what will take you long term because it’s a long season. If you get out of the way a bit, it can definitely be dangerous for you. That is my main conclusion.”
The Mariners will give their full support to Rodríguez, who will play the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. But also with certain nerves, for health reasons. But for him, the fact of being able to be part of the most important international baseball tournament is very important.
“When I was a kid, I remember following the World Baseball Classic,” Rodríguez confessed. “It was a dream for me to be part of a lineup like that.”
The Dominican knows that with prestige also comes pressure. A year ago, he reported to the camps as a prospect. Today, he is one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. With that banner come endorsements, media attention and fan adoration – but it’s a balance that can only be maintained by continuing to employ elite talent on the field.
